In this module you explored the theory of ethical relativism. You also examined

Question

In this module you explored the theory of ethical relativism. You also examined egoism, altruism, and the social contract. Topics that were covered include: descriptive relativism, metaethical relativism, relativism & pluralism, descriptive egoism & ethical egoism, the prisoner's dilemma, and the social contract.Write a journal entry (approximately 200 words). Your journal entry should interpret the strengths and weaknesses of one (or more) ethical viewpoints discussed in the reading assignment. Your entry should also share your personal ethical views on the issue(s) presented in the reading assignment.

Explanation / Answer

Theory of ethical relativism.

Practises like racism , sexism , suicide etc are permissible in one culture and banned in other. Differences in such moral practises in different culture raises an important issue if if ethi relativism.

Ethical relativism believes that moral principles are specific to a society and culture. That means , morality is linked to society and what is moral in one society need not be moral in other.

Concept of ethical relativism provide the answer to different practises in different culture but it makes it impossible to have a framework to compare the morality of two or more different society .

However , critics of relativism point to an important concept. They say that moral principles are same across society however Thier practises may be different . Fir examoke, parents are killed when they grow old in one society while providing service and care to old parent in society are two different practises but they may be guided by single moral principles i.e. care fir parents as those who kill parents believe that afterlife is better and pleasurable for parents so it involves care.

Ethical relativism has its significance in concluding why different societies have different moral beliefs and how these are influenced by culture. It is critical in exploring the reasons underlying beliefs that differ from one's and also examining the values one holds.

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